In an exclusive conversation with Daily Hunt, Dharmisha Gokani, Director of D’aromas, shares the inspiring journey of transforming a tea and coffee venture into one of India’s most trusted HoReCa solution providers. Since its inception in 2015, D’aromas has grown from offering premium blends to becoming a one-stop partner for cafés, restaurants, and hospitality businesses—delivering everything from pantry essentials and packaging to café furniture and kitchen equipment. Dharmisha opens up about the brand’s diversification, challenges, milestones, and her vision of building a community-driven, tech-enabled ecosystem for the future of hospitality.
1. Tell us about the journey of D’aromas – from its inception in 2015 to becoming a leading HoReCa supplier.
D’aromas began its journey in 2015 with a simple yet strong vision—to bring premium-quality tea and coffee to the Indian market. What started as a small venture focused on curated blends soon gained traction within the HoReCa segment. As we listened to the needs of our clients, we realized there was a larger gap in the market for reliable, end-to-end foodservice solutions. This understanding propelled our expansion beyond beverages into an extensive portfolio that includes pantry essentials, packaging, café furniture, and kitchen equipment. Today, D’aromas is proud to be a trusted one-stop partner for cafés, restaurants, and hospitality ventures across India.
2. What inspired the diversification from tea and coffee products to a full-spectrum HoReCa solution provider?
The diversification was both organic and strategic. While our teas and coffees were well-received, our clients frequently expressed challenges in sourcing consistent quality across other categories—be it kitchen appliances, serving ware, or even barista tools. This sparked the idea of simplifying their procurement process. We wanted to be more than just a supplier—we aimed to be a solution provider. That’s how D’aromas evolved into a full-spectrum HoReCa brand, offering everything a hospitality business needs under one roof.
3. How does D’aromas differentiate itself from other players in the foodservice and café supply industry?
Our strength lies in our integrated approach. While most suppliers focus on one or two categories, we provide holistic, customized solutions that cover everything from consumables to commercial kitchen setup and café interiors. Additionally, we blend global quality standards with deep local market understanding, allowing us to cater to diverse customer needs while ensuring consistency. Our in-house support team, transparent pricing, and strong after-sales service further set us apart.
4. What led to the launch of D’aromas Café in Malad, and how has the response been so far?
The café was a natural extension of the brand. We wanted to create a space that showcases not just our beverages but also our design sensibilities and the quality of products we offer. Located in Malad, D’aromas Café serves as both a flagship experience and a live demonstration of what we can deliver to other hospitality clients. The response has been incredibly encouraging—people love the ambiance, the menu, and the overall vibe, which is a testament to our team’s hard work.
5. With an elaborate B2B portfolio, how do you ensure product consistency and quality across categories?
Quality assurance is at the core of our operations. We work only with vetted manufacturers and suppliers who align with our standards. Regular audits, rigorous testing protocols, and a responsive feedback loop with our clients ensure we never compromise on quality. We also invest in training and product education to make sure our offerings perform optimally in real-world conditions.
6. Can you shed light on your expansion plans and how you plan to scale your presence in Delhi NCR, Gujarat, and beyond?
We’re in an exciting phase of growth. Our immediate focus is to strengthen our supply chain in Delhi NCR and Gujarat—two regions with booming hospitality markets. We are setting up regional warehouses, partnering with local distributors, and expanding our on-ground team to ensure seamless delivery and service. Beyond that, we’re looking at franchising our café model and possibly launching experience centers in key cities to further engage with our B2B clientele.
7. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced while scaling a one-stop solution for cafés and restaurants, especially in the furniture and equipment segments?
One major challenge has been managing timelines and logistics, especially when it comes to bulky items like furniture and kitchen equipment. Unlike consumables, these require customization, safe handling, and coordinated delivery. Finding reliable vendors and ensuring quality control across such a diverse product line has been demanding. However, by streamlining our procurement processes and building strong vendor relationships, we’ve been able to minimize friction and deliver consistent value.
8. In an industry dominated by traditional suppliers, how important is technology and innovation for D’aromas?
Technology is a game-changer. We’re constantly leveraging digital tools—from inventory management systems to CRM platforms—to improve efficiency and customer experience. Innovation also reflects in our product development, such as introducing eco-friendly packaging or smart coffee machines. We believe the future of HoReCa lies in tech-enabled service and are committed to staying ahead of the curve.
9. What are some key milestones or achievements that you’re particularly proud of?
One of our proudest milestones was becoming the preferred supply partner for several reputed café chains and boutique hotels. Launching our flagship café in Malad was another significant achievement, allowing us to create a brand experience in the physical world. Additionally, expanding our portfolio to over 500+ curated SKUs across multiple categories is a testament to our commitment and scale.
10. As a woman entrepreneur taking over a family business, how has your journey shaped the brand’s evolution?
Taking over the reins as a woman entrepreneur has been both empowering and enlightening. It allowed me to bring a fresh perspective to a traditionally male-dominated space. My focus has been on building a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer-first thinking. I’ve always believed in leading with empathy and authenticity—qualities that have helped D’aromas evolve into a more agile, inclusive, and forward-looking brand.
11. What’s your long-term vision for D’aromas – both as a café and as a B2B brand?
Our vision is to be India’s most trusted and comprehensive HoReCa partner. On the B2B front, we aim to expand our footprint across India and explore export opportunities in the future. As a café brand, we envision D’aromas becoming a lifestyle destination—where quality meets creativity. We’re not just building a business; we’re building a community of café lovers, chefs, and entrepreneurs who trust us to fuel their dreams.
